I hear “save trees, use a hand-held GPS instead of printing out maps” and similar statements frequently. Yet those substitutes need batteries, which can be recycled but as often, sadly, get dumped into the landfill where they do not break down like paper does. In total energy used, what is the comparison, reams of new fresh white paper to a AA battery?

I hear “save trees, use a hand-held GPS instead of printing out maps” and similar statements frequently. Yet those substitutes need batteries, which can be recycled but as often, sadly, get dumped into the landfill where they do not break down like paper does. In total energy used, what is the comparison, reams of new fresh white paper to a AA battery?